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European Grapevine Moth

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Jack Kelly Clark, Regents of the University of California

European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) is a significant pest of berries and

berry-like fruits. It feeds on the flower or fruit of host plants, most often grapes. The

moth is a significant agricultural pest throughout much of the world. It was first

detected in the United States in California in 2009 and fully eradicated in 2016.

Today, APHIS continues to support the California Department of Food and

Agriculture's (CFDA) annual European grapevine moth survey and monitors grape

imports to maintain our pest-free status.
What To Look For

All varieties of wine and table grapes are susceptible to this pest. If populations are

high enough, the caterpillar can also feed on less preferred hosts such as olives,

persimmons, cherries, nectarines, and pomegranates.

Here's what to look for:

Moths

The moths have creamy white forewings mottled with gray-blue, brown,

and black markings.

Both males and females have similar mosaic-patterned wings.

Caterpillars

Larvae have a yellowish-brown head with short and retracted antennae.

They are about 9-10 millimeters long and vary in color from yellowishgreen to whitish-brown, completely brown or completely translucent.

Brown and rotting fruit

Berries can become damaged through a fungus called botrytis, also known

as bunch rot.

Rolled leaves or clusters of leaves or flowers tied with silk

How To Prevent This Pest

European grapevine moth spreads most commonly via infested grape clusters, vine

clippings, nursery stock, and grape production equipment.

Here's what you can do to prevent this:

Do not bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, or plants into your State or

another State unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them first.

Cooperate with agriculture officials who may be in your area surveying for the

pest.

They may ask for access to your property to place and check insectmonitoring traps.
Report Plant Pests and Diseases

Have you seen this pest or signs of pest damage? Immediately report your findings.

Find your State plant regulatory official

Find your State plant health director

Controlling European Grapevine Moth

Current Status

The United States has been free of European grapevine moth since 2016. To keep it

that way, we have a strong safeguarding program in place. The program includes:

Monitoring for the pest in at-risk areas (grape-growing regions in California)

Science-based import regulations to prevent the pest's reentry via host plant

materials

Ongoing public outreach

Information for Cooperators

Identifying European Grapevine Moth

There are many types of tortricids that can be confused for European grapevine

moth and other moths. Adult moths must be identified by a qualified entomologist.

Larval stages cannot be reliably identified using morphological characters.

2010 Taxonomic Guidelines, Screening & Identification Aid for the European

Grapevine Moth Survey

Information for Producers

University of California

European Grapevine Moth, Lobesia botrana: A New Pest in California

Degree-Day Accumulations Used To Time Insecticide Treatments To

Control 1st Generation European Grapevine Moth

Contact Us
Allen Proxmire

National Policy Manager

Email: allen.proxmire@usda.gov